How to Clean a Stroller

By BalanceBikeToddler Editorial Team · Published 2026-10-24

Short answer: Frame, fabric, wheels, and harness: a safe cleaning routine that will not rot the fabric or seize the wheels. What to use and what to avoid.

A stroller is wiped, spilled on, and dragged through weather for years. Cleaning it wrong rots the fabric or seizes the wheels. This guide is the routine that keeps it safe and usable.

What to use

• Mild soap and warm water. Dish soap cut with water is enough for fabric and frame.
• A soft brush for mesh and seams where crumbs hide.
• A toothbrush for wheel hubs and the fold joints.
• Avoid bleach and harsh solvents; they weaken fabric and strip plastic.

Fabric and seat

Remove the cover if it unzips. Hand wash or gentle machine cycle, then air dry. Never tumble dry, which shrinks and cracks the padding. If the cover cannot be removed, wipe with a damp cloth and a little soap, then dry with a towel.

Frame and harness

Wipe the frame with a soapy cloth, paying attention to the joints. The five-point harness gets milky from spills; wipe it, do not soak it, and let it dry before the next walk.

Wheels

Hair and grit wrap the axles. Pull what you can, then spin each wheel and clear the hub. A drop of light oil on a dry axle keeps it turning; do not over-oil, which gathers grit.

Storage between seasons

Clean and dry fully before folding away. A damp fold grows mold in weeks. Store upright in a dry place, and check the brakes and fold lock when you bring it out again. The [stroller safety guide](/guides/risk/stroller-safety-tips) covers the checks worth doing then.

Further reading

• [Stroller safety tips](/guides/risk/stroller-safety-tips)
• [All-terrain stroller](/guides/scenario/stroller-all-terrain)
• [Stroller under $200](/guides/budget/stroller-under-200)

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• JOYSTAR Pluto Kids Bike Review with Light Up Training Wheels
• Jogging Stroller Parent Compare
• Mompush Lithe V2 Lightweight Travel Stroller Snack Tray Review

Products Mentioned in This Guide

• Dream On Me Aero Travel Umbrella Stroller, One-Hand Quick Fold, 3-Point Safety Harness, Dual Brakes, Adjustable Removable Canopy, Lightweight Compact & Space-Saving, for 6 to 36 Months – BlackSource-based score, full specs & safety checklist for the Dream On Me Aero Travel Umbrella Stroller, One-Hand Quick Fold, 3-Point Safety Harness, Dual Brakes, Adjustable Removable Canopy, Lightweight Compact & Space-Saving, for 6 to 36 Months – Black.
• Chicco Bravo 3-in-1 Trio Travel System, Bravo Quick-Fold Stroller with KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base, Camden/BlackSource-based score, full specs & safety checklist for the Chicco Bravo 3-in-1 Trio Travel System, Bravo Quick-Fold Stroller with KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base, Camden/Black.
• Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, Slim Car Seat Fits 3 Across, Rear Facing, Forward Facing, to Highback Booster Seat, Perfect for Baby Travel & Gift for New Parents, KunninghamSource-based score, full specs & safety checklist for the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, Slim Car Seat Fits 3 Across, Rear Facing, Forward Facing, to Highback Booster Seat, Perfect for Baby Travel & Gift for New Parents, Kunningham.

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